| FROM THE DIRECTOR
In my opinion, technology is the greatest driver for cultural change - a more powerful catalyst than religion, politics, education, and the media. Buckminster Fuller gave an example of technology changing culture in his book "Critical Path." He said that before the radio came into his home early in the 20th century the father's voice was one of supreme authority - a voice of intelligence, direction, and news. When the radio entered the home, there was now a smarter, worldlier figure in the home - and, today, we have TV.
Another example is my mother's memories that her authority and sense of family order were washed away when my older brother drove away at 16 with a new license and car. Now, our youth are consumed by social networking, text messaging, and virtual worlds - technologies new to previous generations of people. Now, these previous generations can appear to be newcomers to this transformed world.
Into this environment, Peace Learning Center is developing ways to help young people and parents develop media literacy skills to deal with cyberbullying and innappropriate communication. In addition, we've launched Play4Good.org a new web learning site that you can read more about below.
Let's all work together to better understand how technology can be beneficial and not just another burden on our busy lives. As a great philosopher once said - change is the only constant.
Tim Nation
Cofounder and Executive Director |
| PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
 K-12 Programs Autumn brought growth and new energy to our Youth Services work. In October, the Peace Learning Center's Youth Services team welcomed two new youth development facilitators to our staff, Brittany Armstrong and Michael Jaffe. Brittany and Mike bring diverse professional experiences to Peace Learning Center, adding to our already talented facilitation team. Together with veteran facilitators Jay Mikelsons, Teresa Thomas and Rachel-Mae Curtis, our new staff members gathered for a week of intensive and fun training in October. Diving into our core curriculum, guiding principles, and program goals, the team brainstormed, practiced, and participated with energy and enthusiasm. This training underscores Peace Learning Center's commitment to providing the best quality services possible for local children and teens.
In October, the Youth Services team worked with each student at Warren Central High School's Freshman Academy, as well as students from Crooked Creek Elementary (Washington Township) and Butler University. In November, the team will work with IPS Schools #109 and #105, as well as the young women of the Starfish Initiative.
2009-10 PROGRAM LIST
Here are the large partnership sites where Peace Learning Center is implementing youth programs this school year.
ELEMENTARY PROGRAMS
Peace Schools
Engaging all students and teachers and as many parents as possible facilitators deliver programming in the classroom and through visits to Peace Learning Center. In addition, ACT OUT Theatre Troupe holds student assemblies and family nights. Peace Schools are designed to meet the needs of young people and their schools. Curriculum includes cooperative problem solving, character values and service learning. IPS 2, 43, 54, 84, 105, 107, 1093,000+ students, teachers and family members. Funded through Community Anti Gang Initiative, Mayor's Crime Prevention Task Force, Pacers, and others. MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMSPeace and Character Education -- PACE implements programming two days a week the full school year. This program strengthens individual protective factors - problem solving and conflict resolution skills, commitment to education, and the ability to seek source of support and plan for the future for youth in over/under programs - older students who still need to complete 5th and 6th grades. Arlington, Howe, John Marshall and Washington Community Schools 375 students and teachers Funded through IPS Alternative Education Community Anti-Gang Initiative (CAGI)
Focusing on students with behavior and academic issues at: Arsenal Tech: 12 week in-class program and afterschool program Northwest: In class program through Social Studies with Freshman Academy Coleman Academy -- Year-around program with PACTS, STEP, and RESPECT -- three days a week. Marion County Jail: 6 hours a week to youth charged at adults -- 350+ students and teachers Funded through US Attorney, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, and Indianapolis Crime Prevention Task Force, Nina Mason Pulliam Trust, and others. Warren Township Freshman AcademyFacilitating programs with all 9th graders in four class sessions in the Freshman Academy 1,000 students and teachers. Funded by Warren Township MSD INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION14-hour a week program now at Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility 250 youth and facility staff Funded by Indiana Department of Correction, Indiana Department of Education Title One, and Indiana Criminal Justice Institute NEW WEB-BASED PEACE GAME ANNOUNCED
Peace Learning Center is proud to announce a new way Peace Learning Center engages youth in learning peacemaking skills. Play4Good.org is an interactive e-learning experience for elementary school aged youth. Signing on to the web-based system, youth create a character and then are confronted by difficult situations including teasing, bullying, and conflict to which they must make a response. Based on players responses, different situations happen that either escalate or de-escalate the conflict. While there are gaming elements for engagement, lessons on communication and how to deal with bullies are embedded into the dialogues and situations. There are many features to experience and you may try the model that is about to be released at
Piloting Schools throughout Indy
Play4Good is targeted at 1st through 6th graders and will be implemented in elementary schools. Schools will be assigned log-ons. Play4Good.org will be offered at all schools currently participating in PLC programming -- 5,000 log-ons and new schools will be able to participate through partnership opportunities.
In addition to schools, parents will also be encouraged to use the program with their children. These programs can also be implemented in a home-school environment. Play4Good.org was developed through a partnership with Bridgework Theater and support from Lilly Endowment, JAMS Foundation, and the Efroymson Family Fund.
Corporate & Community Programs 
Peace Learning Center offers professional development programs focused on cultivating healthy organizational practices. Sessions include diversity awareness, healthy communication, strategic planning, organizational change, and board/staff retreats.
On October 13, PLC Corporate & Community Programs conducted a session on Cultural Competency facilitated by Kara Endsley and a session on Servant Leadership: A Transformation Approach to Life and Work on October 30th facilitated by Richard W. Smith.
November 10: Tuesday's at PLC series - - "Developing a Deeper Awareness of People with Disabilities" Presenter: Indianapolis Resource Center for Independent Living. For more information and to register, click here
 International Interfaith Initiative
Celebrating Interfaith Spirituality with Families is a continuation of the 27-year history of the Interfaith Peace Prayer Service. This FREE event will be held on Sunday, November 8, from 3:00-5:00pm at Marian University's Bishop Chartrand Chapel. The afternoon will consist of music, songs, chants, and prayers for peace performed by faiths throughout Central Indiana. A reception will be held following the event. This year Marian University is partnering with Spirit & Place, Peace Learning Center, and International Interfaith Initiative is expanding the prayer service by focusing on the family, youth, and service. Everyone is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or a cash donation to benefit the locally-based Interfaith Hunger Initiative (www.interfaithhungerinitiative.org). For more information contact Gina Woods at 317.327.7144. Join the Interfaith Network to Assist Iraqi RefugeesOur goal is simple: with guidance from professional refugee agencies we are creating an interfaith network to extend a helping hand to families as they integrate into and enrich our community. Our approach is unique: we want to use our religious and cultural differences intentionally to strengthen this initiative. Learn more... Participate in an interfaith trip to Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank - - Join Middle East Journey 2009!
Join The Village Experience, International Interfaith Initiative, and participating congregations from around Indiana on our upcoming interfaith trip to the Middle East. The group will engage in meaningful dialogue throughout Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank while meeting and forming lasting relationships with communities in the area. Click here for the itinerary... |
| UPCOMING EVENTS - NOVEMBER
November 8: "Celebrating Interfaith Spirituality with Families" - a FREE Spirit and Place event. To be held at Marian University's Bishop Chartrand Chapel from 3:00-5:00pm. This event is a continuation of the 27- year history of the Interfaith Peace Prayer Service. The afternoon will consist of music, songs, chants, and prayers for peace performed by faiths throughout Central Indiana. A reception will be held following the event. For more information, contact Gina Woods at 317.327.7144.
November 10: Tuesday's at PLC series - - "Developing a Deeper Awareness of People with Disabilities" Presenter: Indianapolis Resource Center for Independent Living. For more information and to register, click here |
| IN THE COMMUNITY & MEDIA
Check out Tim Nation's editorial in The Indianapolis Star on October 18. Click here
On October 28, Tim Nation was a presenter at the Clarian Health National Conference on Youth Violence and Technology: Keeping Our Kids Safe in a Virtual World." His session focused on using technology to teach peacemaking. |
| PLC SUPPORTERS
Peace Learning Center would like to thank the following for their financial support in October:
- Indiana Criminal Justice Institute - $48,000 grant for PLC's Intervention Program at Pendleton
- Efroymson Family Fund - $30,000 grant for the Elementary Peace Schools Program
- Lilly Endowment - $7,500 grant for "Holy Lands, Journeys of a Pilgrim Artist" exhibit
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GET INVOLVED WITH PLC 
There are several ways to be a part of Peace Learning Center - - whether making a donation or volunteering. For more information, please click here
TO DONATE PLEASE CLICK HERE
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